Harney welcomes legislation on non-EU doctors

[NeZoviMenia]

Doctors from outside the EU, including those with refugee status, will have their qualifications recognised and will be able to practise as specialists in Ireland under new legislation.

The Minister for Health & Children, Mary Harney, said she hoped this would bring more expertise into the health system.

Ms Harney said medical practitioners would have to register with the Irish Medical Council before practising in Ireland, and could only use specialist titles subject to HSE approval.

AdvertisementShe was speaking during a debate on the new Medical Practitioners Bill in the Dáil.

Dr Liam Twomey, Fine Gael's Health spokesperson, expressed concern about the levels of power granted to the Minister under the bill.

He claimed controversial practices like stem cell research and abortion could be brought in by ministerial directive, and said absolute power was always open to abuse.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0223/doctors.html?rss

[SPDAY]

How we depend on non-EU doctors

he latest Medical Council figures show that doctors from all over the world are working in Ireland.

As of last month, there are 779 non-EU doctors holding temporary registration.

The top five nationalities with temporary registration are:


• Nigeria 196

• Pakistan 187

• Sudan 152

• India 109

• Egypt 22

• Iraq 18

• Libya 15